ExecBro
← back to docs

Platform & IDE Setup

Detailed setup instructions for all supported IDEs and platforms.

Requirements

  • Node.js 18+
  • React Native app running with Metro bundler
  • iOS UI automation: Facebook IDB or AXe CLI — required for tap, swipe, text input, accessibility on iOS Simulator

No installation required — every client below uses npx to fetch the latest version on demand. After saving the configuration, fully quit and relaunch the client so it picks up the new server.

Claude Code

Global (all projects)
claude mcp add execbro --scope user -- npx react-native-ai-devtools
Project-specific
claude mcp add execbro --scope project -- npx react-native-ai-devtools

Or edit ~/.claude.json (user) / .mcp.json (project) manually:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "execbro": {
      "type": "stdio",
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "react-native-ai-devtools"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Claude Desktop

Edit the config at ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json (macOS) or %APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json (Windows). You can also open it from Settings → Developer → Edit Config.

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "execbro": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "react-native-ai-devtools"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Codex CLI (OpenAI)

codex mcp add execbro -- npx -y react-native-ai-devtools

Or edit ~/.codex/config.toml directly:

[mcp_servers.execbro]
command = "npx"
args = ["-y", "react-native-ai-devtools"]

Cursor

Via Command Palette: Cmd+Shift+P→ "View: Open MCP Settings". Or edit .cursor/mcp.json (project) / ~/.cursor/mcp.json (global):

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "execbro": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "react-native-ai-devtools"
      ]
    }
  }
}

VS Code Copilot (1.102+)

Via Command Palette: Cmd+Shift+P→ "MCP: Add Server". Or edit .vscode/mcp.json:

{
  "servers": {
    "execbro": {
      "type": "stdio",
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "react-native-ai-devtools"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Windsurf

Edit ~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "execbro": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "react-native-ai-devtools"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Zed

Open the Agent Panel settings and click "Add Custom Server", or add to settings.json:

{
  "context_servers": {
    "execbro": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "react-native-ai-devtools"
      ],
      "env": {}
    }
  }
}

Gemini CLI

Edit ~/.gemini/settings.json (user) or .gemini/settings.json (project):

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "execbro": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "react-native-ai-devtools"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Android Setup

Android works out of the box — all device control tools use ADB, which ships with Android Studio. Verify it's available:

adb devices

iOS Simulator — UI Automation Setup

iOS UI automation tools (tap, swipe, text input, accessibility queries) require a UI driver. Install one of the following:

Option A: AXe CLI (experimental)

AXe is a standalone CLI for iOS simulator automation. No daemon required — single binary, simple setup.

brew install cameroncooke/axe/axe

Verify: axe --version

Add env to your MCP server configuration:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "execbro": {
      "type": "stdio",
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "react-native-ai-devtools"
      ],
      "env": {
        "IOS_DRIVER": "axe"
      }
    }
  }
}

Note: AXe text input only supports US keyboard layout characters.

Option B: IDB (default)

IDB (iOS Development Bridge) is a tool built by Meta for automating iOS Simulators. Requires a background daemon.

brew install idb-companion

Verify: idb_companion --list 1

IDB is the default driver — no IOS_DRIVER env var needed.

What works without a UI driver

CapabilityWithout IDB/AXeWith IDB/AXe
ScreenshotsYes (simctl)Yes
App install/launch/terminateYes (simctl)Yes
URL openingYes (simctl)Yes
Boot simulatorYes (simctl)Yes
Tap / swipe / gesturesNoYes
Text inputNoYes
Accessibility tree queriesNoYes
Element finding / waitingNoYes
Hardware buttons (Home, Lock)NoYes

Troubleshooting:If you see errors like "IDB is not installed" or "AXe is not installed" in tap results, install the appropriate driver with the commands above and retry.